The CrossRip Elite ($1,270) is part of Trek’s Urban Utility line. It’s made from their 100 series Alpha Aluminum and includes a paint matched Bontrager Satellite carbon fork. Frame sizing runs large or at least long. The size 56cm has a 58.4cm top tube. So, I swapped out the 100mm stem for a 80mm one to achieve my desired reach to the shift/brake hoods.

The frame and fork both have mounts for full coverage fenders. The fenders pictured are not included with the bike, but I added them for my commuting needs. With the fenders the bike accommodates a 35mm wide tire, and 29×1.8” tire without fenders.

There are also front and rear rack mounting points, internal derailleur cable routing, and mechanical disc brakes. Those small details amount to many options for all weather commuting, light-duty touring, or even a cyclocross outing if desired but the main triangle is a little tight for shouldering. Along with the Shimano 9-speed drivetrain and FSA Vero compact crankset, there’s not much paved or hard packed terrain that the CrossRip Elite can’t handle.

A nice feature I was glad to see that the CrossRip Elite is spec’d with a traditional bend drop bar, instead of an ergonomic bend that I have never found to be comfortable. Shimano’s Sora STI shifters create a nice and flat hand area and feel comfortable on my hands. They have a smooth action when shifting or pulling the brake lever. The Sora front derailleur on the other hand is finicky and rubs against the chain when I’m in the smallest or largest cog.

I like that Trek chose a 160mm rotor for the front wheel and a 140mm for the rear wheel to accommodate the Hayes CX5 mechanical disc brakes, which do a good job of slowing the bike down when the wheels are wet. The mechanicals are a huge improvement over the caliper brakes on my personal commuting bike.

It’s taken me a few rides to get comfortable on the CrossRip Elite, mostly due to the long stem and drop from the saddle to the bars. I like to be more upright when commuting and riding in traffic, and the stock set up just didn’t offer that to me. The Bontrager Evoke 1 saddle also seems to lose comfort and support after about seven miles and becomes a real pain in the ass. In any case, I’m set now.

Trek also offers a slightly less expensive, standard CrossRip for $1,100. It’s the same frame and fork with a different build kit. Look for a full review in an upcoming issue of Bicycle Times Magazine.